
45 Upper College Rd, Kingston, RI 2881, USA


The University of Rhode Island holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, ensuring that its overall academic programs meet established standards of quality and rigor. This accreditation affirms the university's commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and credible education.
In addition to its regional accreditation, many individual colleges and programs within the university have received specialized accreditations from recognized professional bodies. These programmatic accreditations cover fields such as business, engineering, pharmacy, nursing, and education, among others, highlighting the university's dedication to maintaining discipline-specific excellence.
For prospective students, these accreditations signify that the University of Rhode Island's degrees are recognized and respected by employers and other academic institutions, potentially facilitating credit transfers and professional certification requirements. Evaluating both institutional and programmatic accreditations is crucial when considering the university as an option for higher education.
The University of Rhode Island requires prospective students to have completed secondary school with a sufficient grade point average and overall academic record. A General Educational Development (GED) certificate is also accepted for high school completion. Applicants must be enrolled in a college program and submit recommendations as part of their application.
English language proficiency is mandatory, with the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) specifically required for non-native speakers. While some tests are recommended, only TOEFL scores and secondary school achievements are strictly necessary. The university does not follow an open admission policy and does not award credit for dual enrollment courses, although Advanced Placement (AP) credits are accepted.
The acceptance rate at the university is approximately 77%, aligning with average selectivity. The typical SAT score for admitted students averages around 1190, with balanced performance in math and writing sections. This places students in roughly the top 45% nationally. The university receives a high volume of applications, with nearly 25,400 applicants each year, demonstrating a competitive admissions environment.
The University of Rhode Island requires an application fee from prospective students seeking admission. The standard application fee is set at a certain amount to cover processing costs. However, the university offers fee waivers to applicants who demonstrate financial need or meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that the cost does not become a barrier to applying. These waivers can be requested through the university's admissions office or during the application process by submitting the appropriate documentation. By providing fee waivers, the University of Rhode Island aims to promote access and affordability for a diverse range of applicants.
The University of Rhode Island does not have an ROTC branch unit located directly on its campus. Additionally, there is no available information indicating the presence of an ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution affiliated with the university. Prospective students interested in ROTC programs should consider alternative arrangements or institutions that host these programs.
University of Rhode Island permits transfer students to enroll in the fall and spring terms, allowing flexibility for those seeking to continue their education without interruption. The institution recognizes a variety of credit types for transfer evaluation, including those earned through CLEP general exams, CLEP subject exams, and DANTES tests, reflecting a broad acceptance of standardized credit assessments. Additionally, the university welcomes students who have completed coursework via recommendations and acknowledges previously earned college credits overall, facilitating a smoother transition for transfer applicants.
The University of Rhode Island offers a range of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance the academic experience for its students. These programs include semester- or year-long exchanges, summer sessions, and faculty-led travel courses, allowing students to immerse themselves in diverse cultures while earning academic credit. The university maintains partnerships with institutions across multiple continents, providing options suited to various fields of study.
Students can choose from semester programs where they enroll directly at a foreign university, or participate in shorter-term faculty-led trips that combine travel with intensive coursework and cultural exploration. Summer programs tend to focus on specific disciplines or themes and are accessible to students seeking condensed but impactful international study experiences.
Additionally, the university supports internships and service-learning placements abroad, enabling students to gain practical international work experience connected to their academic goals. These varied options ensure that students at the University of Rhode Island can find programs matching their academic interests and schedules, all while broadening their global perspectives.
Median composite SAT score
1190Median composite ACT score
28Percent of students submitting SAT scores
27.4%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
Data not availableComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
Data not availableSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RequiredFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
NoAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
Data not availableDisabilities services
Data not availableOff-campus study
Data not availableROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
NoPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
Data not availableGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring